Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this whole “Buddhist psychology” thing lately, and I figured I’d share what I’ve been up to. It’s been a bit of a ride, so let’s dive in.
First off, I started poking around online, just to see what this whole deal was about. I mean, Buddhism? Psychology? Seemed like an odd mix at first. I found a bunch of websites talking about online courses, mindfulness, and all that jazz. Honestly, it was a lot of information overload at first.
Digging Deeper
I decided to try one of those 9-month online courses that popped up during my search. The one with the guy named Mingyur Rinpoche on Abhidharma. Sounded important, right? It had live sessions, guided meditations, and video teachings. It was a bit of a commitment, but I figured, why not? Let’s give this a shot.
The course was pretty intense. We went through all these concepts about how the mind works, the nature of suffering, and how to find peace. They threw in some big words, but the guided meditations were actually pretty helpful. I started to see how these Buddhist ideas could actually relate to everyday life and the struggles we all face. It is amazing to experience those.
Finding What Worked
After a while, I realized that not everything in the course was clicking with me. Some of it felt a bit too out there, you know? But I did find some gems. The stuff about mindfulness, for example, was a game-changer. Paying attention to the present moment, without judgment? Sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly tough to do consistently.
I started trying to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine. You know, like really paying attention when I’m eating, or taking a walk, or even just washing the dishes. It’s not about being perfect, but it’s about bringing a bit more awareness to what I’m doing. And honestly, it’s made a difference. I feel a bit calmer, a bit more centered. I practiced many times a day.
I also found some other courses that focused on the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy. Those were really interesting. They had these interviews with psychologists and Buddhist teachers, talking about how they use these principles in their work. It was cool to see how these ancient teachings could be applied in a modern, therapeutic context.
Putting It All Together
So, where am I at now? Well, I wouldn’t say I’m a Buddhist or anything, but I’ve definitely learned a lot from this whole experience. I’m still practicing mindfulness, and I’m trying to be a bit more compassionate, both to myself and others. That’s a big one from Buddhist psychology – the whole compassion thing.
I’ve also realized that there are tons of resources out there. Websites, books, courses, you name it. It can be a bit overwhelming, but if you’re curious, it’s worth exploring. There are even some free resources that offer a good starting point.
My Takeaways
- Mindfulness is key. Paying attention to the present moment can really make a difference in how you feel. It takes time to cultivate.
- Compassion matters. Being kind to yourself and others is a big part of this whole thing.
- There’s a lot to learn. Whether you’re interested in the psychology side or the spiritual side, there’s a wealth of information out there. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Find what works for you. Not everything will resonate, and that’s okay. Pick and choose what makes sense to you and leave the rest. You do not have to take it all.
So yeah, that’s my little journey into the world of Buddhist psychology. It’s been interesting, challenging, and definitely worthwhile. If you’re looking for a way to bring a bit more peace and awareness into your life, it might be worth checking out. You never know what you might discover.
